Socio-Economic challenges confronting Refugees in the Gomoa Buduburam Refugee camp

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to examine the socio-economic challenges that confront refugees in the Buduburam camp. The specific objectives of the study was to ascertain the infrastructural situation, accessibility to formal education, employment situation among the refugees and the contribution of stakeholders to well being of refugees in the Buduburam camp.The study employed the cross-sectional design, and a systematic sampling approach was used in selecting the sample for the study. Purposive sampling approach was also used to select the organisations involved in activities related to the wellbeing of the refugees. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 16). The results were presented in frequencies and percentages.The key findings from the research included the poor state of infrastructure especially water and sanitation, roads, housing and schools. Access to formal employment was limited; and therefore, majority were employed in the informal sector. The study recommended, among others, that the UNHCR should collaborate with the host country to provide the needed social and economic infrastructure. The study also recommended that the schools should make use of national service persons and community teaching assistants to augment teaching staff. Regarding employment, the lead organisations should organise job and business fairs to encourage networking, and also organise informal classes in the dominant local languages. UNHCR is also advised to effectively play its oversight role in monitoring the activities of NGOs in the camp.